Condition5 connections · 2 sources
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is abnormal tooth alignment that can cause pain, periodontal disease, and soft tissue damage. It can be genetic or acquired from trauma, retained baby teeth, or tug-of-war games.
Key Facts
- Types: overbite, underbite, anterior/posterior crossbite, wry bite, base-narrow canines, open bite
- Overbite (parrot mouth): lower jaw shorter than upper; genetic in all breeds
- Underbite: normal in some short-muzzled breeds (Boxers, Bulldogs); abnormal in medium-muzzled breeds
- Retained deciduous teeth are a major cause of acquired malocclusion
- Crowded, rotated, or tilted teeth cause early infection, soft tissue damage, and abnormal wear
- Orthodontic treatment uses brackets, retainers, and elastics; accomplished in months (not years)
- Orthodontic care is for pain relief, not cosmetics; treated pets should not be bred
- Interceptive orthodontics (removing baby teeth by 10 weeks) corrects 50% of minor jaw problems
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (5)
Related Conditions
Brachycephalic SyndromeCondition
Shortened jaws cause tooth alignment problems
Fractured TeethCondition
Abnormal tooth contact causes excessive wear and fractures
Periodontal DiseaseCondition
Crowded teeth from malocclusion accelerate periodontal disease
Retained Deciduous TeethCondition
A major cause of malocclusion